A 53-foot glass-bottom boat and a 45-foot diving and snorkeling catamaran take adventurers across southern Biscayne Bay, through mangrove creeks, islands, and out to coral reefs. Family snorkeling and scuba diving is available. Canoe and kayak rentals, picnic areas, swimming, walking trails, fishing, camping and shower facilities are also on hand. Reservations are required. The beautiful visitor center offers exhibits, films and information and is open daily from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Biscayne National Park provides a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking for an active adventure, try snorkeling or diving among vibrant coral reefs, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. If you have a few days, you can camp out on a subtropical island, or hike the length of Elliott Key. Does something a bit more relaxing sound good? How about a short stroll on the Jetty Trail, a picnic by the water, or a snooze in a rocking chair on the front porch of the Visitor Center?
Within sight of downtown Miami yet worlds away, the Biscayne National Park protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoor lovers can boat, snorkel, camp, picnic, watch wildlife…or simply relax and gaze out over the bay.
Swimming areas are abundant and waterside picnic spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Convoy Point, Adams Key, Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. Pavilions are also available at Adams and Boca Chita Keys — access to these islands is by boat only Biscayne National Park consists of four primary ecosystems:
- a narrow fringe of mangrove forest along the mainland shoreline;
- the southern expanse of Biscayne Bay;
- the northernmost islands of the Florida Keys; and
- The beginning of the third-largest coral reef in the world.
Each of these ecosystems is comprised of a variety of smaller communities like seagrass meadows, hardbottom areas and hardwood hammocks. The geology of the area has been influenced by changing sea levels, currents, hurricanes, and reef-building organisms like corals. South Florida's subtropical climate produces forest types that are more typical of the Caribbean than of mainland North America.
The Biscayne National Park Visitors Center is open daily 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Glass-bottom boat tour: adults $24.45, children (12 and under) $16.45,
seniors (62 and over) $19.45.
Scuba diving $54,
snorkeling: adults $35,
children (12 and under) $29.95.
